I am coming to the end of the process before I can get a surgery date. I have an EGD scheduled for Friday and my Medical Clearance exam next Tuesday. Since I am a self-pay, I should get a surgery date pretty soon after all that. But, I still have a lot of concerns.

After reading a lot of the posts here, I'm afraid the band won't work. I've been on a self-imposed 1100 calorie a day diet since New Years and haven't lost very much. What if the band doesn't work? Do you still have food cravings? Some people seem to have a lot of pain and others not so much.

Also, since I'm paying for this myself, what if there are complications? I know the insurance doesn't cover it if there are and I don't want to be financially devestated because of this.

Also, what do you tell people? I don't really want everyone to know I'm doing this, but how do you not tell people? Any advice on this.

Maybe I'm just being overly anxious about this. It sounds like the band works for most people and I just pray it will work for me, too. I've tried so hard for the last 20 years to lose weight and just have not been successful --this is like my last hope. Thanks for any advice you can give!

Highest weight: 312

Current weight: 304

Goal: 150

Welcome.

Does your doctor have an after care plan included in your package price?

Since you are self pay, I would make sure that you adhere 100% to the bandster rules so that you don't cause a slip.

As for erosions, most doctors have upgraded the way they attach the band to the stomach.... (meaning they used to put a stitch over the buckle part, and now they don't) Your biggest concern (IMO) would be for you to make sure you don't vomit alot which is the leading cause of slips.

I am not banded yet, so maybe a vetran will post their experience/advice.

Good Luck and Congrats on your journey

What if the band doesn't work?

Keep in mind the band is a tool, it works with you so it will work if you let it.

Do you still have food cravings?

I will bet that all of us have cravings of some kind. The band doesn't make your stomach change or your mind which I believe is the real culprit of cravings.

What if there are complications?

You will probably have to have the doctor spell this out for you, what he is including in your price and what's not.

What do you tell people?

If you dont want a whole lot of input from folks only tell those that you feel will give you sound and reasonable advice. I only told my immediate family (husband & kids) and about 4 close friends.

Good luck to you.